Bill Conley’s Story: From 180 to 200—and Now the Journey Continues, 200 Children Stories in 200 days.

 

Bill Conley’s Story: From 180 to 200—and Now the Journey Continues

On January 1st, 2025, I sat at my desk with an empty page and a heart full of hope. I gave myself a challenge: write 180 children's stories in 180 days—one story each day, no breaks, no excuses. I wasn’t sure I could do it. But I believed in the mission. I believed in stories that shape character, teach timeless lessons, and bring generations together through shared words and quiet moments.

And now, on July 19th, 2025—my birthday—I’ve done it.
Not just 180.
But 200 stories in 200 days.

And I’m not stopping.

I’m setting a new goal: 240 stories in 240 days.

Because stories still matter. Because children still need light in a sometimes dark world. Because I still have more to say.

Some stories poured out like a waterfall. Others trickled in slowly. There were days I felt unstoppable and days I doubted myself. But like Billy the Beaver in one of my earliest tales, I kept building—one log at a time, one story at a time.

And just like Billy, I leaned on my community. My family cheered me on. Friends followed along. Children listened, laughed, asked questions, and reminded me why every word counts. Every story is a seed. Every bedtime tale is a brick in the foundation of a child’s heart.

Each story I wrote—whether sweet and short or full of wild adventure—was crafted with love and care. Some taught lessons about honesty, perseverance, and kindness. Others brought giggles and delight. But all of them had one thing in common: they were written for children, with the hope of shaping stronger hearts, deeper values, and brighter futures.

When I hit day 180, I could’ve stopped. That was the goal. But something in me said, “There’s more.”

And now, on story 200, I know it for sure: this isn’t just a challenge anymore. It’s a mission. A movement. A way to leave a legacy of light.

To every parent, grandparent, teacher, librarian, and child who has read my stories, thank you. You are the reason these stories live and breathe.

And to every child who’s heard Billy’s story, or Ellie the Elephant’s, or Nora the Narwhal’s—this is what I want you to know:

If a regular guy can write 200 stories in 200 days,
If a little beaver can build a mighty dam one log at a time,
Then you can do great things too.

Dream big. Work daily. Never give up.

The journey continues. Let’s keep turning the pages together.

With all my heart,
Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller